The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1887-10-08

bhsASt tic
was tho door just a. sao had left 10. q
little ajar, and she turned the key In
the lock.
"Aha. you are caught. bushy black
head stay there till we call for you"
This. with a gleeful laugh, as she ran
down the church-yard,
Susie was woman Of prompt meas
ures. and she lost no time ia making
her way 10 the nearest house on the
outskirts of the village
II was inhabited by an old officer.
who was Standing in his garden as she
approached. and she ran To HIM crying
breathlcssly:
"Oh. Captain Cowan. there's thief
in the church. What shall we do to
save the plate?'
"Heyday" cried the Captain, hell
be off by this time"
"Not he" said Susie. with laughing
eyes. II locked him in.
And she related her exploit.
"Deary me-" signed the old soldier.
my rheumatism is so bad to-day can
hardly move. but 10 shall go with you.
my child; he's Il big. strong fellow"
10 was the gardener.
Here" said the Captain. "go To
the church with this young lady and
kick that fellow out. neck and crop"
10 was a big, strong fellow. but he
didn't seem to relish the business any
better than Emily Hammond. How
ever, he could do no less than walk of
with Miss Curtis Immediately.
1t was characteristic Of this young
woman that she never thought Of re-
naming behind.
II wish it were any one but Jo."
sighed the adventurous damsel. "He
walks SO slow. do believe he's
frightened, and they say he has fits"
Fortune favors the brave" At the
corner Of the lane leading TO the
church Susie met four stalwart heroes.
two of them her devoted slaves when
ever she chose to tyrannize little.
Whats this Miss Hammond's been
telling us?" cried the quartet, unani-
mously. "A robber in the church,"
"Oh. I'm so glad to see you." she
cried, rapturously. Come. every one
of you" And she briefly explained
Emily's confused recital.
"You are plucky" they cried, in
great admiration.
III want to see the fun," rcjoined
Susie, turning it of,
Now she resumed. when they
had reached the church. "let us
listen"
All stood silent for several minutes;
not sound was heard.
Evidently he hasn't discovered he
is locked in, y said Susie again. Hadn't
two Of you better mount guard to pre-
vent any possibility Of escape. and the
others 90 in and seize him?"
"Let us co. cried the rivals, eager
ly; "and you must come, Miss Susie. to
identify him."
Susie fitted the key into the lock
with hand trembling with excite
ment. pushed open the door. and the
three crept cautiously in. The two
outside heard the scurry of feet in the
church. slight scuiile. then loud.
triumphant shout:
We've got him!"
Too much tempted to remain, both
rushed in. There stood their compan-
ions, pinioning with iron grip, their
prisoner, who was struggling to free
himself. Susie stood watching them. Il
twinge of pity stirring her heart.
Don't hurt him." her soft voice was
pleading; she doesn't look so very
bad. poor man."
But when the gaze Of the newcomers
met that Of the prisoner his struggles
suddenly ceased. Then six pair of
eyes assumed a general stare.
'Let him go!' they cried. and be-
fore the command was obeyed, added
in convulsed tones-"thcy took you for
a church thief" Then the old church
rang with a laughter it had never
heard before. and probably never will
again.
What does it mevn?" cried the riv-
ais rcsentfully.
"Who is hep" exclaimed Susie. turn
ing red.
don't you know?" cried the others
when at last they began to speak.
NO. savagely.
'Why, the new minister"
THAT comes of listening 10 Mrs.
Belton" cried poor Susie; and. in spite
of NIL her bravery. she burst out crying
with modification and rushed from the
church.
But before she reached the gate
tall figure came striding after her. and
though above the outstretched hand
hung n very tattered coat sleeve. the
voice Of the wearer was very gentle.
Susie lifted her eyes to n young and
pleasant face, the very reverse OF ''fe-
rocious.'
Please, Miss Curtis" he was say
ing, Ito judge by appearance you look
good enough to forgive even a
tramp"
But il il you To forgive" replied
pretty Susie. blushing; then added
archly through her tears:
"lll never do /, again"
In spite Of the laughable blunder.
however. Mrs. Belton stuck to her
colors manfully, and year later was
heard to remark with emphasis:
Proper for Miss Susie to practice in
church alone indeedi What has come